Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari and Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon jointly criticised Kasim and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Zulfi Bukhari for their "calculated conspiracy to strip Pakistan of its GSP Plus status". The ministers said the primary objective of Kasim and others was a calculated conspiracy to strip Pakistan of its Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus status. Since the GSP Plus status was granted, Pakistan's exports have surged by 40 per cent, significantly boosting the textile sector and creating thousands of jobs," they said. The PTI has, however, rejected the government's allegation of attempting to sabotage Pakistan's GSP Plus status . He said Kasim's speech was telecast live and that he did not say a single word against the GSP Plus status.

Source: The Telegraph March 28, 2026 13:00 UTC